Welcome to P&O Cruises. This website presents a main menu on the left hand side
from where you can browse our cruises, and a toolbar menu at the top page with search, live chat, support, and profile settings.

Cruises to Rabaul

Papua New Guinea

Rabaul

Located on Papua New Guinea’s northeastern
tip, this province - blessed
with natural beauty but plagued with
an unlucky past - has literally risen
from the ashes.

The former capital of New Britain is a town with a
colourful history and no stranger to rebuilding itself
from the ground up. It’s been destroyed by volcano
eruptions in 1937 and 1994, as well as being all but
flattened by aerial bombardment in World War II.
Its kilometres of underground tunnels built by the
Japanese during its occupation in World War II are a
testament to its wartime past. Since 1994, Rabaul has
returned to life and its harbour is still one of the most
impressive in the entire Pacific basin.

Rabaul Volcanic Tour

War and Colonial History Tour

Must See

Our handpicked Shore Tours are a must for any guest.

What To See

Volcanological Observatory

New Britain has been wracked by three massive
volcanic eruptions in the past 100 years. Surrounded
by three volcanoes, this observatory offers the ideal
location for scientists to study volcanic activity.

Japanese Barge Tunnel

From Karavia Bay, you’ll see one of the great wartime
Japanese feats. The tunnels were part of a network
of rail tracks that connected barges and ships with
munitions' stores. The Japanese headquarters and
barracks were constructed using the slave labour of
captured Indian/Australian and indigenous prisoners of
war. The main tunnel still contains five rusting barges,
although without interior lighting, only three are visible
from the entrance.

Mt Tavurvur

Mt Tavurvur is one of the most active volcanos in the
South Pacific. From this site, you’ll have views of the
volcanoes and what the locals call the "bubbling"
beach below. The bubbling is the result of an
underwater volcanic vent, which is so hot the water
literally boils.

More About Rabaul

DOCKING

Your ship will berth at the port of Rabaul, just a short walk to
town and markets.

GETTING AROUND

Everything in Rabaul is within walking distance but taxis are
available.

SHOPPING

Market stalls are within walking distance, local artists often set
up informal market stalls at popular tourist sites.

DINING

There are a few local restaurants and resorts where you
can sample local fare - seafood and yams are the specialty.
Quarantine authorities generally don’t allow food such as
fruit and vegetables, dairy and meat products or sandwiches
to be taken off the ship, however commercially packaged
confectionery, chips and bottled drinking water are allowed,
subject to inspection.

CLIMATE

CREDIT CARDS

Credit cards are accepted at some locations, however cash is
preferred.

COMMUNICATION

Communication is very limited with intermittent mobile
coverage.

WHAT TO WEAR ASHORE

To make your day as enjoyable as possible, be sure to wear
comfortable, flat-soled shoes, lightweight clothing and a hat.
We also suggest bringing sunscreen and bottled water.

SHORE TOURS

There are a range of Shore Tours available to really get the
most out of your time in Rabaul. Tours can be booked onboard
at the Shore Tours desk and are subject to availability. Guests
are required to meet at a specific location for each Shore Tour
departure. Please refer to your tour ticket for the correct time
and location.

ENVIRONMENT

The geothermal pools are naturally heated to a boil and under no circumstance should be attempted to be touched. During your time ashore we also ask that you dispose of your rubbish thoughtfully.

Next Cruises To Rabaul

Sorry!

There are no results that match your filtering criterias.

Papua New Guinea

This was my first cruise and I wasn't sure what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised by the choice of activities onboard. I loved the room we stayed in and I loved the friendly staff. It think I have just found my perfect type of holiday and I will return (with friends!).

Helen,
First Time Cruiser,

Did You Know?

In 1994, Mt Tavurvur erupted and covered Rabaul in
volcanic ash. The town was rapidly relocated 20 kilometres
away to the town of Kokopo, the new commercial center.
Since then up to 2000 residents have returned to the town
of Rabaul and re-established the town.